This rare series presenting actors in roles of villains appears to be a stylistic precursor to Kunisada's series, Contest of Magic Scenes by Toyokuni, which began to be issued only two years later, from circa 1861-64. As there are scant examples extant or published from this series, it is unknown how many designs were actually issued. The series title has been amusingly translated elsewhere as 'Thieves are a Sign of the Times.'